An old conspiracy theory involving alleged “body doubles” of Russian President Vladimir Putin has gained traction again on social media after a video shared by Russian channels.
The reaction began after a Russian official apparently became confused when referring to Putin as “Pal Laich” during a broadcast, leading internet users to speculate that the comment may have been an “accidental confession” about the Russian president’s alleged use of lookalikes.
The theory that Putin uses body doubles in public appearances has circulated for years, especially after internet users noticed perceived changes in the Russian president’s physical features, such as the shape of his face, ears and facial expressions. Similar rumors have also grown since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Despite the online reaction, there is no concrete evidence that Putin uses lookalikes and, in fact, the Kremlin has repeatedly denied the claims. In 2020, Putin himself said he had once received a proposal to use a “body double” for security reasons during the most intense years of the war in Chechnya, but said he rejected the idea.
Even so, the subject continues to fuel speculation on social media and in pro- and anti-Kremlin channels, especially after public appearances by the Russian president that users considered unusual, including during Putin’s visit to Donald Trump in Alaska, which took place last year.
“His left arm swings naturally, while his right arm is still and rigid, held tightly in place by his side. This is an identifiable trademark of the former KGB agent, allowing an officer to be ready to draw a firearm from its holster at any moment,” Inbaal Honigman, a body language expert, told the Star website.
😂 Putin’s body double exposed by intel chief’s son?
During a briefing to Putin, Patrushev Jr. appeared to slip up and failed to pronounce his boss’s name correctly. Instead of saying “Vladimir Vladimirovich,” he blurted out something sounding like “Pal Laich” — which many noted… pic.twitter.com/FoK5bU0DY7
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 27, 2026
Photo and video: X @nexta_tv. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
